Antiskid device for automobiles.



v c. P. ROSS. ANTISKID DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 17, 19l4.

Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

mum/ma Czars E Ross WITNESSES: /6 /0 A TTOR/VEY oHARLEsr. oss, on SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.

ANTIsx'In nrivIcE r03 AUTOMOBILES;

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it knownthat 1,. CHARLES P. Ross, a citizen of the United States, residing at Seattle, in the county of King andState of Washington, have invented certain new-and useful Improvements in Antiskid Devices for Automobiles, of which the following is a specification. I

This invention relates to automobiles, or the like; and its object isthe provision of eflicient and conveniently operated devices whereby the so-called skidding movements longitudinal vertical section with the de-- vices in operative positions. Fig. 4: is a simi lar View with the devices shown in inoperative positions. Fig. 5 is a detail view illustrating a modified form of the ground-engaging element.

The reference numeral '5 designates the rear axle of an automobile inclosed, as usual, by a tubular casing 6.

7 is a longitudinal member upon which is 'by the frame is connected for swinging movements thereto. Provided in said frame or pin 17 which is journaled in the bifurcations 15 of the bar.

18 is a bracket which is rigidly secured to the casing 6 and extends for a distance in e Specification of Letters Patent. 'i Pate t d b, 15, 191

Application filed December 17,1914 Seria1.No.877,676. 7 7

frontthesame; Connecting the forward end of the bracket with yoke 14' which is secured to the protruding end of bar 11 is a "foldable tie-rod comprising, two links 19 and 20 which areconnectedby a'rule' joint 21. 22 is a leaf spring secured to one of said links and extending over the adja-: cent end of the I other with a tendency to prevent-the links beingbrought into aliner ment.

23 is a pull-rod connecting a post 24 of the'frame 8 and an arm 25=ofapedal lever :26; A spring 27 is connected to the leverarm 25 and tends to pull the rod 23 forward and yieldingly hold the frame 8 and the associated parts intheir inoperativepositions, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.]

The wheel 16 is maintained to have its axis parallel to the axle 5 so that the wheel, when tracking upon the ground, will'rotate during the forward or rearwardtravel of the vehicle. During any sidewise or skidding movement of the vehicle, the wheel rim will-dig into the ground and thereupon act to overcome such skidding.

To operate the device, the operator with his foot pushes against the lever 26 result ing in the rearward swing of the lever-arm 25 in opposition to the'spring 27. The bar 23 is thus pushed rearwardly to swing the frame 8 from the position in which it is shown in Fig. lto that in which it is rep resented in Fig. 3 or, at least, until the wheel 16 encounters the ground, whereupon the'forward travel of the car' will render the ground capable'of thrusting the frame rearwardly until it is arrested by the link connections l920. When in inoperative position the wheel 16 is held through the oflice of the spring 12 at a distance from the axle 5 greater than the height of the latter 7 above the ground, and when the wheel 16 is moved through the space below' the axle, i

the spring 12 is compressed to allowzthe bar 11 to recede. The spring being thus compressed exercises a considerable lifting force upon the axle with a consequent reduction in the load upon the traction wheels of the automobile.

By connecting the links 19 and '20 with the bar 11 and the bracket 18 at the front of the pivotal connection of the frame 8, the links not only servetolimit the rear-v ward swing of the frame, but also limit the outwardmovement of the bar with respect to the frame-socket 10.

: ments of the frame and the extent of the bars projection from the latter, means for yieldinglyholding said frame in inoperative position, and manually controlled means for causing said frame to be swung into position to render said element operative.

2. In adevice of the class described, the

combination with an automobile, of a frame connected to the rear end of sald automobile, a bar connected to said frame for relative longitudinal movements, a ground-engaging element carried bysaid bar, a spring tending to push the bar outwardly with .respect to the frame, means connected with said bar to limit the rearward swinging movements of'the frame and the extent of 5' the bars projection therefrom, and means connected to said frame whereby the same 1s moved to carrysaid element into or on of operative POSIEIODS.

Signed at Seattle, Wash, this 30th day of November, 1914. 1

CHARLES P. ROSS; WVitnesses:

E. PETERSON, HORACE BARNES.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

